No two properties are alike. Each property comes with its own set of unique characteristics, from size and features to intended uses and potential security risks. When it comes to planning security for any property, it's crucial to take into account a wide range of factors. Ensuring the safety of assets and people while managing traffic flow and access to the property, all while maintaining an appealing aesthetic, demands expertise in perimeter security design.
As an industry leader with decades of experience providing innovative perimeter security solutions since 1985, TYMETAL Corp understands every aspect involved in the security planning process. Let’s delve deeper into why perimeter security is so vital and how you can create tailored security solutions for any site.
Understanding the Crucial Role of Perimeter Security
Detecting and deterring threats are key components in keeping businesses and other types of properties secure from criminal activity. Think of perimeter security as the frontline defense for commercial, industrial, municipal, and government properties. Protecting internal structures, assets, and people begins with preventing unauthorized access from external sources. Fencing, barriers, and gates play a critical role in controlling both vehicular and pedestrian traffic flow in and out of the property.
Crash barriers offer additional protection against vehicle incursions and help manage crowds when necessary. Lighting, video surveillance, and other electronic systems are essential for detecting suspicious activities and sending alerts to potential threats.
Why an Effective Perimeter Security Solution Is Essential
Government and military installations, healthcare facilities, manufacturing and industrial complexes, utility and energy providers, educational institutions, and communication hubs all share one thing in common—they all require strong perimeter security. These critical sites, along with retail properties, airports, and others, face significant risks of violence and disruption.
Violent crime is a global concern. According to a five-year study published by the National Library of Medicine, evaluating violent crimes on public and commercial properties in Atlanta, Georgia, from 2012 to 2017, there were over 7,300 violent incidents. This is just one city among many facing similar issues.
The increasing threat of criminal activity, including the use of vehicles as weapons, makes perimeter security indispensable. With proper perimeter security measures in place, it’s possible to deter and detect criminal actions. It can also help delay unauthorized access attempts, giving security teams more time to respond effectively. Ultimately, perimeter security solutions act as the first line of defense in safeguarding people and resources.
Assessing Your Perimeter Security Needs
Recognizing the importance of robust perimeter security is just the beginning of the planning process. Implementing the right solutions for the specific site is crucial. This requires a comprehensive evaluation to identify vulnerabilities, assets requiring protection, and site-specific challenges that must be addressed.
Evaluating Vulnerabilities: The First Step in Security Design
Once you understand how criminals might attempt to infiltrate your property, you can develop a strategy to stop them effectively. By identifying the most exposed areas susceptible to malicious activity, you can gain a broader perspective on what’s needed to counter potential disruptions. Ask yourself how someone might inadvertently or intentionally cause harm.
Consider common areas of potential weakness:
- The general area: What is the crime rate like in this location? Is it in a high-risk zone for terrorism and violent crime?
- Entrances and exits: How many are there, and what measures are in place to ensure only authorized individuals gain access? What controls exist for parking lots and building entries?
- The environment: Are there environmental challenges, such as flood risks or other natural disasters, to consider?
- Traffic: What is the average number of vehicles and pedestrians accessing the property daily? What are the ramming capabilities of vehicles?
- Surveillance capabilities: How much visibility does the current surveillance system offer? Are there blind spots?
- Employee training: Do security personnel understand the policies and procedures for protecting the site? Are there enough staff members, or is the area understaffed?
Identifying Critical Assets: What Requires Protection
Once you’ve identified weak points, determine what the perimeter security system will protect. On a military base, personnel and sensitive information are critical assets. A financial institution may need to protect employees, pedestrians, and organizational data systems. An energy provider would focus on protecting equipment and sensitive machinery.
Planning Your Perimeter Security Strategy
After thoroughly assessing the property’s unique needs and risks, security planning can begin in earnest. A layered approach, leveraging security zones and multiple layers, ensures optimal security with complementary features and technologies. Combining different technologies, such as alarm and monitoring systems, fences and walls, and gates and barriers, can address various facility requirements.
Would it be better to spot intruders at the outer edge of the property or wait until they’re close enough to do harm? The answer is clear.
With a zoned, layered approach, it’s possible to detect potential intrusions faster and more easily. For instance, the entire outer perimeter might feature a fence that prevents intruders from climbing over or under it. Security cameras, lighting, and gated access points provide details about intrusion locations while controlling traffic flow in and out.
Physical Security Measures: Controlling Access
Fencing and barriers control access and serve as a strong deterrent. The psychological impact of a robust fencing system signals the property’s commitment to security, prompting criminals to think twice before attempting entry.
Barriers and bollards are essential tools to consider. Based on the results of vehicle approach analysis conducted during the risk assessment, these measures may be non-negotiable. Even if the property lacks straight, perpendicular roadways posing a significant ramming risk, barriers can still be valuable for directing traffic and providing protection.
In addition to fencing and barriers, security gates help manage access to the site. The key is selecting gate options that can withstand the environment and securely close the openings based on the dimensions. Vertical lift and overhead gates can be useful for closing openings with minimal clearance on either side, while pedestrian portals and swing gates control individual access to protected areas.
Security Lighting: Enhancing Visibility and Deterrence
Like fences, well-placed lighting discourages criminals who prefer operating undetected. Good lighting makes it easier for security personnel to assess threats and respond quickly. It also enhances visibility, optimizing surveillance systems' capabilities. This proactive approach also adds aesthetic value, improving the property’s overall appeal.
Electronic Security Systems
Intrusion detection sensors, such as radar, can locate objects or people using GPS. These systems also determine where movement occurs and the speed, helping predict potential contact points. Setting up monitoring systems around the perimeter and connecting them to a central monitoring station can be invaluable.
Surveillance Cameras: Eyes on Your Perimeter
Surveillance systems, including video cameras and sensors, enable property managers to visually identify threats in real-time. They also empower security professionals to track movements, pinpoint incident locations, and gather evidence for investigations.
Access Control Systems: Managing Entry Points
How do vehicles and people enter the property? Secure perimeters include manned gates staffed by security professionals or automatic gates requiring access codes for authorized entry. Implementing these barriers prevents unauthorized vehicles and visitors from getting too close before they can cause harm.
Alarm and Detection Systems
Perimeter protection secures entry points and openings. However, if a criminal breaches that protection, it’s essential to have secondary and tertiary lines of defense. Alarm and detection systems ensure that if the worst happens, the security team can respond appropriately. Consider systems like glass-break sensors, balanced magnetic switches, motion sensors, and pressure mats and switches.
Contact TYMETAL for Assistance with Designing Your Commercial Security Perimeter
TYMETAL understands the balance between aesthetics, durability, and reliable performance. Decades of experience as an industry leader and the ability to design custom perimeter security solutions make us the ideal partner for all types of security planning. From assisting with designs and layouts to fabricating custom solutions, TYMETAL is your one-stop shop for exceptional products and superior service.
Contact our specifications and design team today to discuss your unique security needs.
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